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Defense/Military

People’s Daily: Global Sixth-Generation Fighter Development Advances Amid Competition and Uncertainty

People’s Daily republished an article from China’s National Defense Newspaper examining global trends in the development of sixth-generation fighter aircraft.

Amid ongoing regional conflicts, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and shifting national strategies, sixth-generation fighter development is entering a phase marked by both urgency and uncertainty, with major powers accelerating programs despite high costs and coordination challenges.

The UK, Japan, and Italy are advancing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), recently awarding a £686 million ($930 million) contract and moving into coordinated development, while seeking additional partners such as Canada to share costs. The United States is pursuing parallel Air Force (F-47) and Navy (F/A-XX) programs, both receiving renewed prioritization and funding. In contrast, the France–Germany–Spain-led FCAS project remains stalled due to disagreements over design and industrial roles.

Although there is no unified definition of a sixth-generation fighter, most concepts emphasize advanced stealth, AI-assisted decision-making, and manned–unmanned teaming. Development is shifting from single-platform performance toward integrated, multi-domain combat systems capable of real-time coordination across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains. At the same time, some countries are pursuing joint development to enhance long-term defense autonomy and reduce reliance on platforms such as the F-35.

Source: People’s Daily, April 22, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0422/c1011-40706277.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

PLA Introduces New Logistics Supply Model to Improve Material Support Efficiency

People’s Daily republished an article from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily reporting that, since last year, the Central Military Commission’s Logistics Support Department has launched pilot programs to optimize military logistics and address difficulties faced by frontline units in obtaining supplies.

The reform introduces a system of “autonomous requisition within quotas, and application-based requisition beyond quotas,” allowing units to directly obtain supplies within set limits from nearby storage facilities without multiple approvals, while excess requests follow standard procedures.

The new model enables digital, end-to-end management of supply allocation. Units can independently request items such as rations and medical supplies, while support departments can forecast demand and allocate resources more precisely, with improved transparency throughout the process.

It also aims to accelerate response times, shifting from a traditional annual planning model to an “on-demand, rapid response” system, reducing supply cycles from weeks or months to days or hours.

Source: People’s Daily, May 14, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0514/c1011-40719541.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

“To Build a Strong Military, the Armed Forces Must First Be Strong Politically”

People’s Daily republished an article from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily emphasizing the importance of building a politically strong military. The article quoted Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), as stating that to build a strong military, the armed forces must first be strong politically, and that political strength is the most fundamental form of strength.

The article argued that political character is the essential attribute of the military, and that strengthening the armed forces must begin with strengthening them politically. It stressed that the Party’s absolute leadership over the military is the foundation of the armed forces and the core of building a strong military. It called for unwavering adherence to this principle, implement the CMC Chairman responsibility system, and resolutely follow the command of Chairman Xi, be accountable to Chairman Xi, and earn the trust of Chairman Xi.

It further called for cultivating comprehensive political capabilities, including political judgment, political understanding, and political execution. This involves analyzing and addressing issues from a political perspective, faithfully implementing decisions of the Party Central Committee, the CMC, and Xi Jinping, and integrating political requirements into all aspects of military preparedness, operations, and force management.

Source: People’s Daily, May 15, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0515/c1011-40720390.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Russia and North Korea Reportedly Plan Five-Year Military Cooperation Framework

Russia and North Korea are reportedly preparing a rare five-year military cooperation plan that could significantly accelerate Pyongyang’s military modernization in areas such as conventional weapons, satellites, nuclear-powered submarines, and next-generation missile systems. According to reporting cited by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, based on Russia’s TASS, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stated during an April 26 meeting in Pyongyang with Kim Jong Un that Moscow is prepared to sign a long-term military cooperation plan covering 2027 to 2031. He described bilateral ties as having reached an “unprecedentedly high level.”

Analysts note that Russia rarely establishes medium- to long-term military cooperation frameworks with foreign countries, typically reserving such arrangements for key strategic partners such as Belarus and India. This has led to assessments that North Korea may be entering a higher tier within Russia’s strategic framework. The reported initiative follows North Korea’s involvement in the Russia–Ukraine war since 2024, with estimation that Pyongyang has deployed 15,000 troops in support of Russian operations.

Experts cited in the report indicate that Russia could assist North Korea in enhancing capabilities in nuclear submarine technology, satellite systems, drone and missile production, as well as joint artillery and ammunition manufacturing. Some analysts also suggest that deepening Russia–North Korea military ties could raise concerns in Beijing, as closer alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang may reduce China’s influence over developments on the Korean Peninsula.

Source: Aboluo, May 11, 2026
https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0511/2382326.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Report: China Is Using Hong Kong Entities to Facilitate Iran’s Sanctions Evasion, Arms Procurement, and Financial Support

The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation on May 11 released a report titled “Oil, Arms, and Cash: How Hong Kong Fuels the Iranian Regime,” stating that Hong Kong has become a key enabler of Iran’s activities. The report says Hong Kong-linked entities have helped Iran evade sanctions, finance proxy groups, procure weapons components, and expand surveillance systems. It highlights the role of Hong Kong-registered vessels in transporting Iranian oil—much of it sold to China—and the use of Hong Kong’s financial system for laundering proceeds. It also notes that major banks, including HSBC and Standard Chartered, have previously paid substantial fines for violating Iran-related restrictions.

Since 2020, at least 95 Hong Kong entities have been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for assisting Iranian oil trade and sanctions evasion. In July 2025, OFAC sanctioned 17 Hong Kong companies linked to an Iranian shadow banking network. In September 2025, another network involving Hong Kong shell companies was designated for laundering over $100 million in cryptocurrency tied to Iranian oil revenues, some of which allegedly funded Hezbollah and other proxy groups. The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network estimated that $4.8 billion in related transactions flowed through Hong Kong-linked accounts in 2024.

The report states that Hong Kong companies have acted as key transshipment hubs for dual-use electronics, drone engines, missile components, and centrifuge equipment tied to Iran’s weapons programs. U.S. indictments and sanctions filings cited in the report indicate that Hong Kong-based procurement networks supplied entities affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Defense, including those involved in drones, radar systems, and ballistic missiles. Evidence from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East has identified Western-made components, routed through Hong Kong, in Iranian Shahed and Mohajer drones.

The report also highlights the role of Chinese technology firms in supporting Iran’s surveillance capabilities. It states that Huawei Technologies used its Hong Kong subsidiary Skycom Tech to provide telecommunications and surveillance equipment to Iran, which U.S. authorities allege was used to monitor protesters. It adds that other Chinese firms, including ZTE, Hikvision, and Dahua Technology, have supplied surveillance technologies such as cameras, facial recognition systems, and internet monitoring tools used by the Iranian government.

Source: Epoch Times, May 12, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/5/11/n14762232.htm

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Chinese State Media Confirms Technical Support to Pakistan During 2025 India–Pakistan Conflict

China’s state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has for the first time confirmed that Chinese personnel were deployed to support Pakistan during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. In a May 7 military program, engineers from the Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) of China said they were sent to the front line to provide technical and logistical assistance to Pakistani forces.

The conflict followed an April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, leading to four days of fighting. Reports indicated that a Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jet used by Pakistan shot down at least one Indian Rafale jet, drawing international attention.

CCTV identified AVIC engineers Zhang Heng and Xu Da as among those providing on-site support, describing combat conditions including frequent air raid alerts and extreme heat. Their accounts are seen as the first public acknowledgment of direct Chinese involvement in support roles.

A 2025 report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission suggested China may have used the conflict to test weapons performance and possibly provide real-time intelligence. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China has sold about $8.2 billion in arms to Pakistan since 2015 and ranked as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter between 2020 and 2024.

Source: Epoch Times, May 9, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/26/5/8/n14759816.htm/amp

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

PLA Navy Says Aircraft Carriers Equipped with “Five-Piece” Air Wing

The “carrier five-piece set” refers to a combination of key carrier-based aviation assets: stealth carrier-based fighter jets, multi-role catapult-launched carrier fighters, fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

On May 9, Jiang Bin, deputy director of the Information Bureau of China’s Ministry of National Defense and a ministry spokesperson, addressed the issue at a press briefing, confirming reports that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has completed its “carrier five-piece set.”

He stated that this configuration represents a critical component in building an integrated carrier strike group combat capability. Jiang added that the development marks an important milestone in the PLA Navy’s efforts to accelerate its transformation and modernization.

Source: Xinhua, May 9, 2026
https://www.news.cn/20260509/f7057b4186ea45e48991080ab976335a/c.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Former Chinese Defense Ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu Sentenced to Death with Reprieve

On May 7, China’s military court issued first-instance verdicts in corruption cases involving former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu. Both were convicted of accepting bribes, with Li also found guilty of offering bribes. The court sentenced each to death with a two-year reprieve, along with life imprisonment without the possibility of commutation or parole. The ruling represents one of the most severe penalties imposed on senior People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officials in recent years.

A commentary republished by Xinhua News Agency, originally from the PLA Daily, emphasized that the cases involve not only corruption but also political loyalty. The article stated, “The military must not tolerate individuals who are disloyal to the Chinese Communist Party. “Since the 18th Party Congress, under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi Jinping, authorities have intensified efforts to investigate high-level corruption and eliminate ‘political risks.’” “The armed forces must align closely with Xi Jinping and uphold the Central Military Commission Chairman responsibility system, … building a strong military first requires being ‘politically strong.’”

The verdict noted that Li Shangfu’s offenses included both accepting and offering bribes. Li previously served as head of the PLA General Armaments Department, whose predecessor was Zhang Youxia, prompting speculation that the bribery charge could be linked to Zhang.

Separately, overseas commentator Yuan Hongbing cited sources claiming that Wei and Li were viewed as politically unreliable because their views are different from Xi Jinping on a potential Taiwan Strait war. According to these claims, they outwardly expressed support for the official position of being willing to wage the war, but privately doubted the likelihood of success. They worked on contingency preparations to control China in case of such a failure, not only reaching out within the PLA system, but also to officials in the Party and government organs. This was why Xi Jinping couldn’t tolerate them and imposed such severe punishment on them.

Sources:
1. Xinhua, May 8, 2026
https://www.news.cn/politics/20260508/705866aafb3841a68c165a4fbeaa4dca/c.html
2. Epoch Times, May 8, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/5/8/n14759168.htm

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